Audiobook

I embarked on this series with great enthusiasm and found myself truly loving it. However, as I progressed, I began to skip around and not read the stories of the secondary characters. Even though I had the physical book in my possession, I decided to listen to the library's audiobook instead. And I have to say, it was a wonderful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fascinating to witness how Jaime Vegas (a rather stupid name, by the way) and Jeremy advanced their relationship while simultaneously attempting to solve a mystery. It was a really good book. In fact, I am now planning on both reading and listening to the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what other adventures and developments await Jaime and Jeremy. I'm sure it will be just as engaging and exciting as this first installment.

All I remember from this episode of the Women of the Otherworld saga is as follows:

First and foremost, this was the first book released in hardback. On my bookshelf, there is a tidy row of paperbacks, and then a few hardbacks follow. But then, inexplicably, it went back to paperback for a short story compilation, and after that, it was hardbacks again. Just looking at the different sized books on my shelf causes me so much pain. Why does this have to happen to me?

Secondly, there was a really strange sex scene that lasts a whopping six pages. In this scene, Jeremy, the elderly werewolf, sticks his wiener through a gap in some French doors, while Jaime prances around her hotel room wearing only a G-string. It's a rather odd and unforgettable moment in the story.

4.5 stars

Bumped to 5 stars based on a re-read in 2023. I truly love this couple pairing/series.

“This is the first adventure I’ve survived without being kidnapped, attacked, knocked unconscious or possessed by evil spirits. A ripped blouse? Ruined skirt? Bad hair? I’d call this progress.”

Finally, we have Jaime and Jeremy. I had been eagerly waiting for several books since she appeared with her crush in Industrial Magic.

Some reviewers may dislike the amount of time spent in the house with the clairvoyant stuff. However, I found the behind-the-scenes of the TV production, along with the internal conflicts and rivalries, to be truly fascinating. It added an element of authenticity and depth.

Jaime is one of my favorite heroines. After the tough and rather one-dimensional Eve, she is a nice break. She is fragile yet strong, gives the wrong impression to the outside world but is trying to sort out the inner chaos. She is older and deals with some insecurities among the younger crew. But I love how the author portrays this, showing full respect for women of all ages. Jaime makes sure of that. Besides her fun personality, her power is captivating. As she discovers in this book, she can do many dark things with it, and there is clearly a complex world of necromancy that can confuse and torment the necromancer.

“I saw my true power. The darkest power. The greatest power.”

Jeremy provides a supportive balance. He hints at childhood woes and perhaps has some kind of strange power connection through the runes. Their relationship is calming and almost therapeutic at times, like a penthouse letter. However, the bedroom play was a little awkward sometimes, but it shows the different personalities of all the book characters. I do prefer it when men are completely into and obsessed with their women. So when Jeremy is still uncertain and on the brink for half the book, it makes the romance a bit less intense. I also disliked the ending a little - I loved some parts of it, but found other parts, like the separation angle, to be sad.

It's a full immersion into the world of ghosts and unusual supernatural villains. They don't know the type of magic or villains they're dealing with until the end, but this doesn't affect the pacing or tension. Again, Armstrong has children being killed, but thankfully, except for one scene at the beginning, it's off-page. It's disturbing stuff. She definitely makes her villains completely wicked.

I'm not Eve's biggest fan, but she was great in this book and provided a great plot anchor, along with Kris.

Overall, I was a little disappointed that Jeremy wasn't as in tune as I usually like the love interests to be, and there was a bit of a distant feel to their relationship. But I still loved the time they spent together. Jaime is one of my favorites in the series, and the plot was well developed.

[4.5/5 stars] Color me completely surprised! I truly believe this was my absolute favorite installment since the very first book in the series!

I wasn't even certain that I liked Jamie, the point-of-view character, when I was first introduced to her early on in the series. She's a rather offbeat character who wasn't presented in the most favorable light initially. However, as the series has progressed, she has gradually emerged as one of the most captivating characters among the lot. I think the fact that she started out being slightly unlikable has made my change of opinion all the more profound. It also brings in some real-world considerations (which I don't usually approve of while reading, lol) about the perils of judging someone before truly getting to know them. This might sound overly sentimental, but my favorite aspect of Jamie is her remarkable compassion. She's always the first one to leap into action and offer assistance. And what I initially disliked about her is now the very thing I appreciate the most – that she unapologetically marches to the beat of her own drum and owns it. :)

And then there's the added bonus of her story featuring my favorite love interest to date…

Another reason I adored No Humans Involved so much is my general fascination with anyone who practices a skill at a high level. Jamie's particular talent, necromancy, was a major focal point of the book, and I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the depth of her knowledge on the subject. She managed to展示 what she can do without ever actually showing off, making her all the more intriguing. The interactions between her and the other "necros" were especially satisfying and constituted my favorite scenes from the book.

Series Status: Overall, No Humans Involved was an enormous success and completely rejuvenated the series for me. The next book is already lined up and waiting. :)

Recommendations: The Women of the Otherworld series may have its peaks and valleys, but the high points by far overshadow the lows. If you're a fan of the genre, this is definitely one that I would recommend as a "must-read" staple. Each book is so distinct that you're bound to discover at least a couple of winners, regardless of your specific urban fantasy preferences. :)

Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com

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I really liked this book quite a bit. However, it did feel like a bit of a letdown compared to Men of the Otherworld. That's the reason it didn't earn a four-star rating from me.

Of course, the more Jeremy there is, the better. And Jamie is such a great match for him. This was most definitely a paranormal mystery. Jamie uses her real ability as a necromancer to solve the murders of child ghosts who are gathering at the site of a famously haunted house.

This is some pretty grim stuff, but it's handled well. The concept of banal evil in the contemporary world is so prescient. Someone has figured out that they can steal power for themselves with the right sacrifice, and they aren't above killing children. Just the thought of that makes this book tough reading. Although I should make it clear that it's not overly gory or brutal. It's more just the idea of children being murdered.

I read this book out of order, but it wasn't an issue for me. The book does a good job of introducing characters so that you know who is who and which ones are new compared to the returning faces. The otherworld has expanded greatly from the initial books that focused mainly on the werewolves.

Honestly, I still love Elena, Clay, and Jeremy and the gang more. But I find Armstrong's society of supernatural creatures very intriguing. Jamie is a fun character. She's in her forties, and I appreciate her maturity and her perspective as a veteran in the entertainment field.

I have an interest in true-life ghost stories, so I liked that aspect of the story as it explores how ghost hunters have become a big thing in the entertainment/television industry. Also, I can imagine that Hollywood is really quite haunted with all of its energy, tragedy, and history. I also like how she pursues Jeremy and manages to get past his formidable reserve.

I enjoyed their relationship and the back and forth in their ongoing courtship that started in previous books and comes to a head in this one. I liked seeing Elena and Clay show up, and I find Hope very interesting.

All that being said, I didn't connect to this book in the same way I did with the werewolf stories. It's probably more of a personal thing and not so much a problem with the writing. Of course, I'll keep reading this series. The witch storyline has my interest, which is good since Dime Store Magic is the next book in order from where I started, which was Stolen. Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.

At last! It feels as if I have been patiently waiting for a book centered around Jeremy and Jaime for an eternity! I'm truly glad that I'm reading this series long after all the installments have been published. Waiting a whole year between each book would indeed be pure torture.

Jaime, a necromancer who earns her living as a celebrity psychic, never expected to be haunted when she began a TV shoot in Los Angeles. She knows a fair amount about ghosts, but these particular spirits aren't behaving as they should. Determined to uncover the truth behind what's happening before more people meet their demise, Jaime embarks on an investigation.

However, she's not alone. Jeremy, the alpha of the werewolves and the man Jaime hasn't been able to stop thinking about for the past few years, just so happens to be visiting. She hopes that protecting her isn't the only thing he'll be doing.

As I mentioned earlier, I've been eagerly anticipating this book for what seems like forever. Jaime, usually so self-assured and outrageous, transforms into a blushing, clumsy teenager whenever Jeremy is around. Frankly, it's utterly adorable, and I've been dying to see where this will lead. Well, it led to "No Humans Involved," another fantastic addition to the series by Kelley Armstrong. It was filled with non-stop action and excitement, along with all the romance I've been longing for.

What I truly loved about this book was getting to know Jeremy and Jaime on a deeper level. Jeremy, the alpha of the werewolves, is almost as mysterious as the sphinx. You never quite know what he's thinking, and unlike the other volatile werewolves, he never loses control and keeps his thoughts and emotions tightly guarded. Jaime, on the other hand, is more outgoing but is desperate to take control of her own destiny and prove that she's more than just a damsel in distress. She wants to show that she can save herself. I adored seeing these two截然不同 personalities come together as Jeremy supports Jaime in her investigation of the ghosts.

We're also introduced to some new characters, such as Hope, the half-demon journalist, and Karl, the werewolf whom we briefly saw in "Bitten" (as the villain!). I believe they are the focus of the next book, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Together, they are investigating the strange ghosts that Jaime has discovered, which leads them to some very unexpected places, including a BDSM dungeon. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the hunt as they tracked down the culprits. It made for a fast-paced and captivating read.

This is yet another winner in the series. I highly recommend that you give it a try. It's a series that needs to be read in order as Kelley Armstrong does an outstanding job of building up her world through each book, and you'll fully appreciate getting to know her characters. Bring on book eight!

I can communicate with the deceased.

Jaime Vegas is a genuine necromancer. She has the ability to raise the dead when necessary. She can both see and talk to ghosts. The only issue is that she has no control over seeing them. Constantly, everywhere, they see her, and she pretends not to notice them. Of course, she can convey a message for them, but she can't determine why they're dead, who killed them, or what caused their death, and she'd rather not even attempt to. Now a part of the interracial council, Jaime provides her feedback when it's required and desired. However, she still believes they don't take her as seriously as she'd like.

Jeremy is a werewolf and the pack's Alpha. As the Alpha, he is constantly being safeguarded, with bodyguards and otherwise, because no one in the pack wants to lose him, and those outside the pack want to see him dead. This time he meets Jaime without protection, just "for a visit." Although he is slow in arriving, he desires her. He just doesn't want to subject her to the risks associated with being the Alpha of a pack; the constant need for protection and always being at risk, as the easiest way to get to Jeremy would be through Jaime. But she has wanted him since they met, and this time Jaime is determined to have him.

On the set of a highly anticipated TV show, something strange occurs. It seems that ghosts are attempting to get her attention, but she can't see them. She talks to them, but they don't seem to understand or hear her. And aside from indistinguishable whispers, she can't understand them either.

With the assistance mainly of Eve, Kristof, Hope, Jeremy, and Karl, they delve into the mystery, unable to fathom why these ghosts are different from those she's ever encountered and eager to lay them to rest. Through some detective work, they discover that the ghosts are those of children, whose energy has been drained, making them unable to appear in corporeal form and even unable to be heard by Eve and Kristof. But uncovering who and why is enough to shock everyone.

I enjoyed the mystery in this one. I would never have guessed - not really, LOL! I had a hunch about the who, but not quite the why and how. It was interesting to see how the plot unfolded - definitely different from your typical paranormal story. What I found charming was how Jaime was depicted like Daphne from the Scooby-Doo cartoon - a wimp, always in trouble, getting kidnapped and requiring rescue. But the courage Jaime finds to defeat them is absolutely perfect. I couldn't have asked for better.

I liked the banter between Jaime and Jeremy, especially the way she teased him. I do think there could have been a bit more spark between them. While it was intense, it wasn't quite enough. Could have used a little more "oomph" between the two of them.

And although the book is filled with the usual elements: horror, action, adventure, suspense, mystery, satire, there were some minor inconsistencies that you notice and just let pass. But I thought it was a bit too neat, as if it was written in a hurry. There were too many convenient coincidences and not enough twists. And I know I'm not the only one who would have loved to learn more about Jaime's background. You get snippets of her past, but it's like the information barely scratched the surface of who Jaime is. Could really have used more on her.

Otherwise, another success for the series. Keep them coming, Kelley!

Well, when it comes to Jeremy Danvers, shivery isn't dead. I love how smooth he is, even though he's closed off. There's just something about him that makes me have a soft spot for him. I know, I know the book isn't about him but about Jamie who has a sweet spot for Jeremy. ☺️ Jamie has come across something that has caused an uproar. She's got to find a way of finding out what it is, and she'll need the help of the alpha.

I really enjoy the mention of Long Island and The Amityville House which is nearby. People love visiting it on Halloween. As much as I enjoy the necromancers, I want some more of the werewolves. They add a certain excitement and mystery to the story. I can't wait to see what else happens with them and how their story unfolds. Maybe there will be more action and adventure involving the werewolves that will keep me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this book and can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

I can't help but second guess myself every time I re-read a book. I somehow feel like I'm playing favourites and ignoring all of the other novels out there that I have yet to read once, let alone twice. But then I read the opening chapters of one of Kelley Armstrong's books and think "screw the other books". There's a reason why she's my favourite author and No Humans Involved reinforces that yet again.

This is Jaime's book, no doubt about it. Yes, there's still the customary supernatural investigation plot line but we get to learn so much about her character that she eclipses everything else. At first glance, she comes across as a ditsy, C-list celebrity who's a danger magnet but that's just a front. Every day is a struggle for her as she has to act "normal" in public while plagued by ghosts. She constantly has to walk away from spirits hounding her to pass along messages to their loved ones. Throughout all of this chaos, Jaime manages to remain positive and tries to help as many people as possible, both living and dead.

I'm always hungry for more Jeremy time and in No Humans Involved we get exactly that. The pack alpha, who is usually a wallflower, finds himself out of his element, away from his pack and trying to woo Jaime. I loved seeing this side of him! As alpha, he's never allowed to have any fun but in this book, he gets to assume the role of fighter, protector and grunt. It suits him! Plus, Jaime shutting down Jeremy's advances over and over again was hilarious. Their budding romance is over-the-top adorable, with a kind of childlike innocence yet not, because they're both past their primes and have the experience that goes along with it.

Hope Adams, Eve Levine and Karl Marsten also make notable contributions to the plot but I only had eyes for Jaime and Jeremy. No Humans Involved is just too amazing for words. I could go on all day about the merits of this novel but really, there's only one way to experience this book and that's first hand. If you haven't read it yet you should, and if you have, you should read it again.

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

The absolute chokehold that these two middle-aged people's relationship had on me at the age of fifteen simply cannot be overstated.

It was a complex and captivating dynamic that held my attention hostage. Their interactions, filled with unspoken emotions and hidden tensions, seemed to unfold like a mysterious drama before my eyes.

I found myself constantly observing them, trying to decipher the meaning behind their every word and gesture. Their relationship was a source of both fascination and confusion for me, as I struggled to understand the depth of their connection.

It was as if they were living in a world of their own, one that I was desperate to enter and explore. This intense preoccupation with their relationship had a profound impact on me, shaping my perception of love and relationships at that young age.

I completely forgot just how deeply I loved Jaimie. At first glance, she may seem a bit scatterbrained or ditsy. However, that's just the front she puts up. She does this deliberately so that people won't look too closely or dig too deep into her true self.

For some unknown reason, I'm constantly taken aback by her relationship with Jeremy. Their connection seems so unexpected, yet it's also strangely captivating. I find myself constantly yearning to see more of them together.

This installment in the series was just as flawless as the others. It had all the elements that made the previous ones so enjoyable. The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what comes next in this wonderful series.

RTC!

The RTC (Real-Time Clock) is an essential component in many electronic devices. It provides the accurate time and date information that is crucial for the proper functioning of various applications.

The RTC operates independently of the device's main processor and continues to keep track of time even when the device is powered off or in standby mode. This allows the device to resume its operations with the correct time and date when it is powered on again.

In addition to providing time and date information, the RTC can also be used to trigger specific events or actions at predetermined times. For example, it can be used to schedule backups, update software, or perform other routine tasks automatically.

Overall, the RTC plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of electronic devices, and its importance cannot be overstated.